Kelce and Swift – NFL love story that almost never was

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs could make Super Bowl history thanks to Travis Kelce.

In New Orleans, he and the Chiefs hope to win the game for the first time in six years.

However, he could have changed drastically from a previous trip to the Big Easy 15 years ago.

Before it even began, his football career almost came to an end on that night.

When the Bearcats were given a chance to play in the Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, in January 2010, at the age of 20, Kelce was 20 and was coming to the end of his first year of university play.

Since Super Bowl 59 will be held at the Superdome, Kelce and his team-mates had time to unwind prior to the event, which was an exhibition rather than a championship game.

It’s simple to get carried away from the party atmosphere in the French Quarter, and the Bearcats were no exception. Perhaps too good.

They were beaten 51-24 by Florida, with Kelce having just one carry. Worse was the revelation that Kelce had tested positive for marijuana and had failed a drug test.

Competition rules meant Kelce had to serve a one-year suspension, but his older brother Jason Kelce, who was also on the team, convinced the coaches to give him another chance.

Before entering the NFL draft in 2013, Kelce changed from a part-time quarterback to a full-time tight end.

He was chosen later than he had anticipated due to some character issues, which included Andy Reid’s recent appointment as the team’s head coach, who had just been appointed.

Kelce established that his brother had supported him in the best interest. Since Kansas City selected Patrick Mahomes in 2017, he has developed a telepathic understanding with the superstar quarterback, who has helped the Chiefs win five Super Bowls in six years.

The first Super Bowl to feature brothers playing for opposing teams was Kansas City vs. Philly two years ago. Before that game, Travis said: “I owe it all to him]Jason]”.

Travis said he was “embarrassed” by his suspension, but added it made him realise who was in his corner and that he had to “tighten up” in order to pursue a football career.

Jason and Swift will both be at Sunday’s game, but they will have divided loyalties.

Jason has made it clear that he won’t be supporting Kansas City this weekend despite supporting them last year’s Super Bowl against San Francisco.

His wife Kylie is a devoted Eagles fan, and the Chiefs face his former team.

As for Swift, her father Scott grew up as an Eagles fan in Pennsylvania, so Kelce is not sure who he will be rooting for.

When Kelce and Swift played their first game in September 2023, she became aware of their relationship.

Since then, their careers have grown stronger, with Swift launching her most successful tour of all time and elevating her status even higher.

“I better hold up my end of the bargain”, Kelce added on Monday.

She consistently works her tail off and never takes no for an answer, making up for it as a superstar. I must definitely match that energy.

There has been rumor that he might retire if he does and earns a fourth Super Bowl ring, but the 35-year-old said he still wants to play in three years.

Kelce was also questioned about making an engagement ring this weekend in New Orleans in order to create some new memories.